12 Hand-picked Gift Ideas that Promote Inclusivity and Peace for the Activists in your Life

In light of post-election acts of violence and intimidation here in the U.S., and in recognizing the ongoing fight for equal treatment and acceptance, we enter this holiday season with our hearts wide open to all the ways we can support our brothers and sisters who feel vulnerable, and how we can plant seeds of peace for future generations. Many of us are wondering what we can do to make a difference, if even on a small scale. One simple way to stand up for social justice causes is to make a conscious choice to use your dollars in a meaningful way. That is where our holiday gift list comes in!

We are excited to present to you 12 hand-selected gift ideas (and an abundance of equally awesome runner-ups) that promote social justice, equality, inclusivity, and awareness. We keep our focus small here: gifts that benefit marginalized and oppressed minority groups in the U.S., either as purchases supporting their non-profit organizations OR as items that speak up on behalf of these groups, opening up conversations and promoting education and awareness. At the bottom of this page, you will also find a collection of organizations where you can make a financial donation in lieu of a tangible gift.

Thanks for shopping responsibly and making a difference this holiday season! Also, in honor of Small Business Saturday, we recommend making book purchases through IndieBound online or your local independent bookstore, when possible. 

Disclaimer: This is only a suggested list. Angie Klaus Photography + Films has not received compensation for these recommendations, does not benefit from any purchases, and cannot be held responsible for any outcome related to the purchase of these products.

For the Tiny Activist

A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara

An alphabet book with a progressive twist that promotes ideas of equality, civil rights, and acceptance of immigrants and LGBTQ individuals. 

Honorable mentions: And Tango Makes Three, The Ruth Onesie, The Family Book, The Chickens Build a Wall

For the Playground Activist

Let's Talk About Race by Julius Lester

Newberry Award winning author Julius Lester tells the story of himself and introduces race as a part of his story. Accompanied by beautiful paintings, the book engages its readers by asking questions and creating a dialogue to open up the conversation on race. This also makes a great classroom or teacher gift.

Honorable mentions: Rad American Women A to Z, Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation,  My Name is Bilal, Extraordinary Women of the Muslim World

For the Teen Activist

March by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell

Teens can learn the history of the civil rights movement from one of its greatest leaders. This autobiographical graphic novel trilogy from Congressman John Lewis covers his experiences...from lunch counter sit-ins, to police beatings as a freedom rider, and culminates in the Selma to Montgomery marches. The series is the first graphic novel to win a National Book Award. Previous honors include the Robert F. Kennedy Book Award, the Eisner Award, two Harvey Awards, and a Coretta Scott King Author Honor.

Honorable mentions: Brown Girl Dreaming, It Gets Better: Coming Out, Overcoming Bullying, and Creating a Life Worth Living, Dreamers: An Immigrant Generation's Fight for Their American Dream, We Are Americans: Undocumented Students Pursuing the American Dream

For the Bookworm Activist

The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander

The New Jim Crow describes how discrimination against criminals has replaced outright racism as a means of creating inequality in our society. It uncovers how, through institutionalized racial targeting, the justice system has become a surrogate to justify discrimination in a supposedly colorblind America.

Honorable mentions: No God but God, An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States, Between the World and Me, Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis

For the Art-Loving Activist

Painting for Peace in Ferguson and Painting for Peace: A Coloring Book for All Ages by Carol Swartout Klein

A children's book about how artists in Ferguson, MO came together to restore the community following the protests in 2014. It can be accompanied by a namesake coloring book with simple to elaborate designs based on the works of art created in Ferguson and including messages of peace, love, and community. All profits go toward Ferguson-area youth and art programs, and small businesses affected by the protests. 

Honorable mentions: Migration related prints from the Justseeds Artists' Cooperative, Topaz Moon: Chiura Obata's Art of the Internment

For the Music-Loving Activist

Border Songs: A Collection of Music and Spoken Word by Various Artists

This eclectic 2-CD compilation album features artists from both sides of the U.S-Mexico border (from Sweet Honey in the Rock and Pete Seeger to Michael Franti, Pachuco, and Calexico) sharing songs that reflect the impacts of U.S. border policy. All profits go to support the efforts of No More Deaths, a southern Arizona humanitarian organization that provides water, food, and medical care to migrants crossing the desert.  The CD was a limited release and the remaining copies are difficult to find online, but it's available on Amazon from third party sellers, but those proceeds would no longer benefit No More Deaths. 

Honorable Mentions: Classic Protest Songs from Smithsonian Folkways, Dark Was the Night from Red Hot, Sounds of Indian Summer: Contemporary Native Music from the National Museum of the American Indian

For the Theatre-Loving Activist

From Broadway With Love: A Benefit Concert for Orlando

A 2-CD set and DVD from the July 25, 2016 benefit concert in the aftermath of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida. The concert featured performances from some of the biggest names on Broadway, including many Tony Award winners, accompanied by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Net proceeds will be donated to local central Florida charities that support the LGBTQ community. 

Honorable mentions: 2016 Tony Award T-Shirt from Broadway Cares,  Hamilton Mixtape

For the T-shirt-Loving Activist

Rainbow Mountain T-shirt from Revel and Riot

Revel and Riot is a non-profit group that creates graphics and products to support LGBTQ rights. This shirt transforms Gilbert Baker's rainbow flag design into an image that reflects the continuing struggle for LGBTQ equality. It's great for both LGBT and allies. 

Honorable mentions: Take on Hate T-shirt, Official Standing Rock Shirt

For the Coffee-Loving Activist

What Did I Do? Cup from The Democratic Cup

This cup features the images of Michael Brown, Philando Castile, Sandra Bland, Trayvon Martin, Alton Sterling, and Oscar Grant along with a poetic quote along its inner rim. The cup is part of a set of 22 cups designed by 32 ceramic artists and illustrators with themes to create dialogue and counteract hateful speech. These limited edition ceramic cups are handcrafted in North Carolina and take 3 weeks to create and ship. Net proceeds will be donated to non-profit organizations.

Honorable mentions: Saint Basil Coffee, Red Bay Coffee

For the Jewelry-Loving Activist

HRC Cable Bracelet

This simple but stylish cable bracelet features the equal sign logo of the Human Rights Campaign. Consider this or other jewelry from HRC. HRC is the largest LGBTQ organization with over 1.5 million members and supporters nationwide. 100% of every purchase goes to HRC’s fight for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer equality.

Honorable mentions: Civil Rights Jewelry from Dana Walden, Jewelry from Until there's a Cure, Jewelry from From War to Peace, Native American Jewelry

For the Activist Couple

Rainbow Glitter Edition Brut Sparkling Wine by One Hope Wine

A sparkling wine in a sparkling rainbow bottle. The wine is part of the glitter bottle collection, with each bottle supporting a different charitable cause. Each rainbow bottle funds 15 minutes of operational costs on The Trevor Project's lifeline, providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ youth. Purchase a single bottle online, or consider hosting a wine tasting event, where you can choose the charity for which to donate 15% of the profits.

Honorable mentions: No Different print by Brian Andreas, Pendleton Blankets for the American Indian College Fund, Prosperity Candles, Wine from Justice Grace Vinyards

For the Organized Activist

2017 Liberation Calendar by Ricardo Levins Morales

This 2017 calendar features beautiful liberation-themed art by Ricardo Levins Morales from over four decades, and includes notes on significant dates from the liberation struggle. Also consider Justice Notecards by the same artist.

Honorable Mentions: White Paper Matters Social Justice Stationery, Justice Plan Book for Teachers, Slingshot Activist Organizer

Direct Donations

When a tangible gift is not necessary, we recommend direct donations as a gift in the recipient's name. Here is a list of organizations to consider:

General Civil Rights and Support: American Civil Liberties Union, Showing Up for Racial Justice, Southern Poverty Law Center, NAACP Legal Defense Fund

Native American Rights and Support: Native American Rights Fund, Association on American Indian Affairs, Stand with Standing Rock

Jewish American Community and Social Justice Missions: Bend the Arc, National Council of Jewish Women, Jewish Women's Archive

Immigrant and Refugee Rights and Support: Welcoming Refugees, International Refugee Assistance Project, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, The Dream is Now, National Immigration Law Center, United We Dream, United Farm Workers, No More Deaths

Muslim Rights and Support: Council on American-Islamic Relations, Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services, Take on Hate

LGBTQ Rights and Support: Human Rights Campaign, The Trevor Project

The Birth of Cantor : Alexandria, Virginia Birth Photographer

When I met up with them before the big day, this expectant couple warmed my heart with their sheer joy and excitement at the prospect of growing their family. They didn't seem to have the typical nerves in anticipation of such a momentous life event; they were simply over the moon to meet their son and become parents.

Rachel arrived to the hospital in the dark and early hours of the morning, and while the sun rose outside the window, her partner and birth team supported her beautifully as she summoned her deepest strength to bring her baby into the world. Cantor, you are one blessed little man to be so loved and cherished. I have no doubt your photographer mama (Rachel of Rachel K Photo) will be documenting your childhood in beautiful photos...and I'm so honored to have captured the story of your birth in photos and video for her.

As always, it was a privilege to work alongside my amazing doula friend Liz Oldham of Creating Your Calm Birth.

Here are some photo highlights, and the best part...a custom birth story fusion video below!

Life in Motion: September

For my September 'Life in Motion' video blog circle post, I'm sharing a personal film that I created. As summer officially came to a close last Thursday, I am so happy that I took some time for video clips during our family's summer camping adventure and was able to put them together this month to create a keepsake for my family.

Thanks for stopping by! After watching, please hop over to Melissa's blog and follow the circle to check out lots of great films and fusion videos by fellow filmmakers!

And if you are interested in booking your own family film to preserve sweet and simple moments in your daily life, please reach out to me and let's make it happen!

Life in Motion: August

Being a birth photographer is so much more than showing up to whip out my camera and photograph a baby being born. It is an intense and rich experience; one that imprints on me every time I share that sacred space with a laboring mother and her eager-to-support partner, and each time I witness a baby opening its eyes for the very first time.

For my first 'Life in Motion' video blog circle post, I'm sharing a fusion video that I created this month. It is a chronicle of a birth journey that spanned into three days and is a testament to the power and strength of a birthing mother and the dedication of her support team.

Thanks for stopping by! After watching, please hop over to Elizabeth's blog and follow the circle to check out lots of great films and fusion videos!

Capturing moments in motherhood | A photographer's journey

Originally published in Posh Seven Magazine.

We’ve all heard it before,“The days are long, but the years are short.”

As mothers, we’re continually reminded that time with our children is fleeting. We do our best to cling to the sweet moments and imprint them into our minds as we blink away tears of exhaustion on our most challenging days. We often feel like we’re not “present” if we snap photos of our children in an effort to make time stand still. How do we manage not to forget the small moments that make up our lives as mothers? How can we invest in these memories?

Maybe you’re on top of things this year and you’ve done your job to book an annual family portrait session. You can check holiday cards and grandparent gifts off your to-do list. Then once you’ve chosen the perfect outfits and location, you cross your fingers and visualize everyone cooperating that day to get the “money shot” to smile for at least one amazing family photo. Everyone knows that’s the ultimate goal of traditional portrait sessions.

But in 10 or 20 years, when you look back at your perfectly posed family portraits, will you remember the mother that you are now? Will you see a mother who rocked her teething babies at night and kissed their foreheads? Will you see a mother who played on the floor with her infant and washed and fed and loved fiercely from the moment she first laid eyes on them?

Traditional photography sessions are a great way to remember the various ages and stages of your children, but if you’re looking for more spontaneity in the documentation of those endearing moments, you might consider a style of photography that will highlight your role as a mother and honor your unique story as a family.

Documentary photography has become popular as families grasp for authenticity in their busy lives. It’s a photojournalistic approach to storytelling and capturing the every day. Documentary photographers will spend hours, or in some cases even a full day, with families observing and photographing or taking video clips. The focus is on natural and organic connections and the tender family moments that frequently go overlooked in traditional family sessions. It is here where motherhood can shine, captured as something that will be cherished for generations.

Documenting moments in motherhood can be accomplished in several ways. Here are some options you have in telling your family story:

Maternity.
Documentary maternity sessions celebrate the miracle of growing new life in the context of your current environment. It incorporates your partner, your home, excited siblings, curious pets, and your steadfast role as mother while highlighting your changing shape and the general family emotions surrounding your pregnancy.

Birth.
Birth photography is quickly becoming a popular choice for parents who understand that birth is not just a process, but a highly emotional experience to be celebrated. Parents want to be present for a birth without feeling anxious that they may one day forget what an incredible experience it was to bring a child into the world. Hiring a birth photographer allows priceless details of the event to be remembered, like a mother’s strength, emotions in labor, a partner’s first glimpse, support from loved ones, baby’s first breath, and those precious first moments and hours as a new family.

Baby and Child.
Infant and child sessions focus on daily life as a family and capture the personalities of each member. Although these are family sessions, they naturally highlight the mother and child dynamic. They might feature babywearing, breastfeeding, playing, and other details that tell your story as a family.

These sessions are also great for older kids, where perhaps your story will be about Saturday morning pancake breakfast and soccer games. No matter the age, this is your family, your story, and it is worthy of being remembered.


Extended Family.
Consider giving the gift of documented time together to grandparents. It’s such a meaningful gesture, and one that promises to be treasured for generations. Some ideas to have documented are family reunions, going to ice cream with grandparents, cooking or enjoying a hobby with grandma or grandpa, or simply spending time in their home with its rich history and familiarity.


We mothers are so often found behind the camera, taking photos of how we see our babies while they grow up before our eyes. We deserve to be in the frame not only for ourselves to remember when the kids have grown up and moved on, but also as a time capsule so that we’re able to offer our children and grandchildren a glimpse into what life was like for mothers in our day.

A good storytelling photographer will take the lead and will know how to quietly observe while creating images that convey the unique, nurturing role and natural beauty of each mother. So this year, skip the stress, bribes, fancy outfits, and whining—all hallmarks of the typical family portrait session—and consider investing in a documentary photographer who’s trained to capture the essence of you and each of your loved ones. Find a photographer who will tell your story with honesty, beauty, and creativity. You deserve it.